8 Ways to Give Thanks to Child Care Providers On National Provider Appreciation Day

National Provider Appreciation Day 2021 is on May 7th. In other words, it’s right around the corner! Do you know how to honor the child care providers in your life? If not, don’t worry. Below we outline eight ways you can recognize providers on this special day.

What is National Provider Appreciation Day?

National Provider Appreciation Day, also known as Child Care Provider Appreciation Day, is celebrated every year on the Friday before Mother’s Day.

In 1996, a group of people from New Jersey decided to honor the tireless efforts of child care providers who dedicate their lives to raising up the next generation. The celebration caught on and is now an annual event that’s recognized by many people in the United States.

How to Celebrate Child Care Providers

Ready to honor the amazing child care providers in your life? Great! Here are eight ways you can recognize and support them for their dedication.

Ideas for Parents

We’ve divided this list into two parts: one for parents and one for organizations. We’ll start with ideas that parents can use on this special day:

1. Send a Handwritten Note

It may seem overly simple, but a handwritten note might be the perfect gift for National Provider Appreciation Day. Why? Because they’re so rare these days.

Take the time to write to your kid’s teacher or care provider and tell them how much you appreciate the love and commitment they show your children. It will mean a lot to them.

2. Give a Group Gift

Looking to afford something substantial? Go in on a group gift with the other families in your child’s daycare. Gift cards to places like Starbucks and Amazon are usually safe bets. But you can also do a little detective work and discover specific items your provider will love.

3. Team Up With Your Child

Why not get your kid(s) involved, too? Ask them to make their provider a special art project. If you want, you can pair this idea with one of the others (like a handwritten note or a gift card) to make it extra special.

4. Offer Paid Time Off

Let’s be honest, caring for kids is exhausting. Your child’s provider has definitely earned some paid time off, don’t you think? Connect with the other parents at your child care center and arrange to pick up your kids at lunch time on Friday to give your provider a jump on the weekend.

5. Buy Something for the Center

Most child care providers spend a lot of money on stuff for their daycare. Help them out by purchasing some of these things for them. For example, you could buy toys for the play area or food for the kitchen.

If you don’t know what your provider needs, ask them! That way you can give them a gift you know they’ll be able to use.

Ideas for Organizations

If you represent an organization that wants to honor providers in your area, consider using one of the three ideas listed below:

6. Host an Honorary Meal

Here’s something we can all agree on: free food is awesome. Show your appreciation for child care providers by hosting a brunch, luncheon or dinner in their honor. Then invite providers in the area to attend—free of charge, of course—and eat their fill.

7. Sponsor a Scholarship

Not every provider has the financial means to attend a child care conference or workshop. Your organization can give local child care providers the gift of education by buying their event tickets, airfare and hotel stays. You may even want to consider creating a special scholarship fund for this exact purpose.

8. Thank Child Care Providers on Social Media

One of the easiest ways your organization can honor child care providers is to simply thank them on social media. Make it known to your followers that you appreciate the teachers and daycare workers in your town, as well as other towns across the country.

Make National Provider Appreciation Day Special

National Provider Appreciation Day 2021 is approaching—fast! Choose one of the ideas listed above and recognize your child care providers for their hard work. After the tough year we’ve all had, it’s important to celebrate when we can, and they’ll definitely appreciate the gesture.